Morning: Arrive in the City of Brotherly Love and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the bustling Reading Terminal Market, sampling local pastries and coffee.
Afternoon: Walk the famous “Rocky Steps” and explore the expansive collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Take a moment on the balcony for panoramic city views.
Evening: Stroll through Independence National Historical Park to see the illuminated Liberty Bell and the exterior of Independence Hall. End the night with a relaxed dinner in Old City.
Find HotelsMorning: Venture to the eerie yet fascinating Eastern State Penitentiary, where guided tours reveal its revolutionary prison design.
Afternoon: Dive into interactive exhibits at The Franklin Institute, from the giant heart to the planetarium show.
Evening: Return to Reading Terminal Market for a casual dinner, trying Philly cheesesteak or international street foods, then relax at a nearby café.
Find HotelsMorning: Take an early Amtrak ride to Washington DC, check into your downtown hotel, and freshen up.
Afternoon: Walk the historic streets to view the exterior of The White House and the impressive dome of the United States Capitol.
Evening: Wander the illuminated National Mall, stopping at the towering Washington Monument and the reflective Lincoln Memorial as the sun sets.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the wonders of flight and space at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, then head next door to the natural treasures of the National Museum of Natural History.
Afternoon: Admire masterpieces at the National Gallery of Art before delving into powerful narratives at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Evening: Unwind in the gardens of the Smithsonian Institution or enjoy a riverside dinner in the Penn Quarter, reflecting on the week’s highlights.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: $82.00
If you have extra time, add a half‑day in Philadelphia to visit the Barnes Foundation or the Philadelphia Zoo, and in DC consider a evening cruise on the Potomac. To shorten the trip, combine the morning and afternoon museum visits in each city and skip one of the optional sites, focusing on the core landmarks for a streamlined two‑day experience.